WWE Hall of Famer Afa Anoa’i passes away aged 81

Modified Aug 16, 2024 20:30 GMT

Sika (left) and Afa (right) were The Wild Samoans [Photo credit: WWE]

WWE Hall of Famer Afa Anoa'i was critically ill for a few days, with many false reports circling online that he had passed away. However, his son Samu Anoa'i has now shared a sad update on Facebook. Afa has passed away at 81.

Together with Roman Reigns' father, Sika, the two wrestled from 1973 to 1997; they were dubbed the Wild Samoans. They have held 21 Tag Team Championships around the world.

The Wild Samoans worked for WWF sporadically during their tag team run. At one point, Afa Anoa'i managed his son Samu and his nephew Fatu as The Headshrinkers. He left WWF in 1995, and in 2007, on the eve of WrestleMania 23, the duo were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

Samu Anoa'i took to Facebook today to deliver the news that Afa Anoa'i had passed away:

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"It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of my father Afa Anoai Sr. It was a peaceful transition and he was surrounded by loved ones. Please respect our privacy as we morn our father," Samu wrote on Facebook.

At Hell in a Cell 2020, both Afa and Sika made an iconic appearance for WWE. They were seen acknowledging Roman Reigns as the Tribal Chief and "Head of the Table" of The Bloodline. Sika passed away at 79 on June 25, 2024.

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Edited by Jacob Terrell